A storyteller at heart; a journalist in the field. Gabrielle DuChateau views journalism as a performance on the stage. She dances from story to story, capturing the truth through her lens, and relaying her knowledge to the public. Journalism is her civic duty, to not only be aware of the world around her but to understand and retell it to others.
Gabrielle’s father works for CNN, and his news coverage fascinated her from a young age. Since then, Gabrielle has felt the power of information. Surrounded by the world of news, she feels obligated to shine a light on the truth, even if it is hard to hear.
“Do what's true to you. If you think the story you're chasing, or what you're doing serves a purpose, and it's going to affect a greater number of people, just do it,” Gabrielle said, “Don't let people tell you, ‘I don't want to hear that,' Other people should hear this, even if you don't want to. The truth can hurt. Stay true to yourself.”
Do what's true to you. If you think the story you're chasing, or what you're doing serves a purpose, and it's going to affect a greater number of people, just do it.
Gabrielle DuChateu
GC360 is the only television broadcast news station that provides local news to Milledgeville, and Gabrielle has been an active member and leader of the organization for the last three years. From battling misinformation on the COVID-19 pandemic to covering local interest stories, Gabrielle empowers the community around her.
A night filled with color, passion, and exuberance at the Drag Show at Buffington’s in downtown Milledgeville- Gabrielle, with camera in hand, showcased the stories of the Drag Queens and Kings celebrating Queer Pride. This story illustrated the value of acceptance, and she illuminated the positive, inclusive environment the community was able to create that day. Gabrielle recounts this newscast coverage as one of her favorites she’s worked on thus far.
However, every story does come with its own tribulations, “Some topics are sensitive and it can be a challenge to find people to speak on the record. Some stories have a quick turnaround time in order for it to still be beneficial to the public.” said Gabrielle, “Since the start of COVID, it has been difficult to find compelling stories that we can produce while being safe and following COVID-19 guidelines. It can even be exhausting as a student journalist to carry out the duties of a reporter and student. These challenges can be tough, but they don’t stop me!”
Gabrielle DuChateau looks up to Associate Professor Dr. Schiffman for guidance, and he continuously pushes Gabrielle outside of her comfort zone. Recently, Dr. Schiffman encouraged Gabrielle to take an online course with the Poynter Institute, a renowned Journalism School in St. Petersburg, Florida. In the course, she was surrounded by career professionals and was the youngest in the class. She credits this experience as the gateway into her future profession, and wouldn’t have had this opportunity if it wasn’t for Dr. Schiffman’s advice.
“Gabrielle has all the qualities that propel people into journalism: relentless curiosity and energy, a desire to tell stories that people need and want to know, and a quick, analytical mind,” said Dr. Schiffman. “Gabrielle is an extremely likable hard worker who is generous and kind to her peers. I believe she inspires other students to excel.”
Gabrielle believes that the best leaders support the people around them, and uplift voices in times of need. She leads from behind, encourages her peers, and bridges the gap between pressing information and the public. As a full-time student and journalist, Gabrielle is a prime example of leadership for the public good.
Gabrielle is zealous in her pursuit of accuracy. In the future, Gabrielle aspires to create a media landscape that is factual and honest to regain trust from the public. She wants to hold all journalists to a high standard of accountability to stop the spread of misinformation.
